In a powerful expression of solidarity and shared purpose, Transformative Pathways partners from Thailand, the Philippines, and Kenya proudly joined regional Pathways partner – the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP) in celebration of the 2025 International Day for Biological Diversity, commemorating the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) text.
This year’s theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development” came to life through an unprecedented digital campaign that showcased the voices and visions of Indigenous Peoples across Asia and some of their counterparts in Africa, who joined in the celebration.
“When you take care of nature, it will also take care of you.” – Jolene Leparakuo, Maasai Indigenous member from Transmara, Narok County, Kenya
From May 22 to 31, AIPP amplified more than 60 powerful voices of Indigenous Peoples—children, youth, women, elders, and persons with disabilities—74% of whom were Indigenous women and girls. This milestone campaign reflected the growing Indigenous-led movement for biodiversity conservation, cultural revitalisation, and the advancement of Indigenous land and resource rights, which sets an example for living in harmony with nature globally.
“We must support each other, campaign together, and create these spaces so our future generations will grow strong, rooted in our Karen identity. […] “It’s our duty to ensure our youth are grounded in these [indigenous] traditions—our ways of managing resources, harvesting foods, and preserving seeds. These are not just practices; they are the heart of our survival.” – Ms. Noraeri, Karen Indigneous woman leader, Huay Ee Khang village, Northen Thailand
Photo Credits: Lakpa Nuri Sherpa, AIPP.
The celebration was co-created by AIPP with 32 organizations and networks, including 6 Indigenous youth networks and 4 Indigenous women’s networks, with strong participation from across the Asia region. Transformative Pathways partners contributed with video messages by Indigneous representatives they work with towards the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
“The Ba-ëng network, together with other indigneous women here in Baguio City are doing their part in the protection of biodiversity. Most of the seeds that the Ba-ëng Network Members are saving are from the indigenous seeds, because we advocate for the revitalisation of indigenous seeds, heirloom seeds.” – Mila Singson, Kalinga Indigneous woman, Baguio City, Philippines
In their video messages, indigneous representative shared local perspectives on biodiversity rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems, discussed the importance of intergenerational knowledge transmission and the role of youth, and warned against the threats that Indigneous Peoples and biodiversity are experiencing in the face of industrial agricultural systems.
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Yada Chanithemtrakul, Indigenous youth representative of Ban Mae Ning Nai, Chiang Mai province, Northern Thailand, shares about the important role of youth in biodiversity conservation; Video Credits: PASD
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Mila Singson, Indigenous Kalinga woman, explains how the Ba-ëng Network of Indigneous Women Gardeners in Baguio City, Philippines, are working together and using indigenous techniques to preserve indigenous seeds for biodiversity; Video Credits; PIKP
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Atit Boyoh, community leader of Ban Mae Jok, Chiang Mai province, Northern Thailand, explains why youth must be involved in preserving herbal plants to prevent them from going extinct; Video Credits: IMPECT
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Kun Supot, Lisu Indigenous leader from Northern Thailand explains how Indigenous Peoples are safeguarding biodiversity and why modern agricultural practices are putting biodiversity at risk; Video Credits: LifeMosaic
As the world races to meet the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and the Paris Agreement, this celebration reaffirmed that there is no path forward without the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples, including Indigenous Women and Indigenous Youth.
At Transformative Pathways, we are honoured to have stood alongside AIPP and so many Indigenous voices in marking this moment.
Type: Video
Country: Thailand, Philippines, Kenya
Theme: Community-led conservation; Land and resource rights; Sustainable livelihoods; Traditional and local knowledge; International Processes
